Father Ted star in court after row at shelter

ACTOR and Father Ted star Gerard McSorley has appeared in court after trying to enter sheltered accommodation from which he had been evicted.

Mr McSorley, 70, appeared at Letterkenny District Court where he was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour

The court heard that on November 11 last he arrived at Trinity Court sheltered accommodation in Newtowncunningham. Mr McSorley had just been evicted some time earlier and had been told by staff that he was not welcome there again.

Staff at the centre said they would provide the actor with the money for a taxi to take him to his previous home in Gaoth Dobhair in west Donegal.

However, Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that Mr McSorley said that under no circumstances would he be returning to Gaoth Dobhair.

Gardaí were called and Mr McSorley began to raise his voice and was arrested and brought to Letterkenny Garda station.

Mr McSorley’s solicitor, Mr Kieran O’Gorman, said that his client was very apologetic for what had happened.

Judge Paul Kelly asked Mr O’Gorman if the actor had now found accommodation and was told he has.

Judge Kelly added: ‘Tensions were a bit high on the night, so I will apply the Probation Act.’

Although originally from Omagh, Mr McSorley has lived in Co.Donegal for many years.

He has starred in a number of films including Veronica Guerin, Braveheart, Michael Collins and Angela’s Ashes.

He is also well known for his role as the infamous Fr Todd Unctious in classic sitcom, Father Ted.

Very apologetic for what had happened